Well, after a few months of careful evaluation, I have finally determined a winner in the battle of top-tier open dynamic headphones: the HD800s. The race was extremely close, but in the end the HD800s are a better fit with my stable of headphones, and I've really come to appreciate their larger soundstage and outstanding comfort. I really don't need to keep both the HD800s and the T1s, and therefore I have finally decided to put my T1s up for sale / for trade. I could really use the extra cash for upgrading my source / amplification :)
MY BRIEF COMPARISON OF THE HD800s AND T1s
Speaking in terms of tonality and speed, the T1s are probably the most neutral and accurate headphones I have heard to date -- better even than the HD800s. While the HD800s can seem just a bit light on the bass and fairly bright in the treble, the T1s provide strong, tight bass and highs that are well-extended and neither bright nor recessed. Also, the T1s are able to recreate the highly dynamic passages of music with excellent fidelity; they seem to handle dynamics better than the HD800s. The T1s are somewhat punchier and more forward, while the HD800s sound more distant and relaxed. What struck me most about the T1s is that their sound signature makes them very versatile -- they sound good with just about any kind of music you throw at them.
The soundstage of the T1s, while not as large as the HD800s, is very circular (i.e. equal width and depth) and natural. I think one of the strongest points of the T1s is their imaging capabilities -- they place instruments very precisely in the soundstage. When listening to a good recording, it seems as though you can pinpoint, within inches, the locations of each instrument in space. For me, the precision of the T1s' imaging exceeded the HD800s, which are also highly lauded for their imaging characteristics.
As I mentioned earlier, the HD800s won out for me largely based on comfort. The HD800s are probably the most comfortable headphones I own. The T1s are no slouch in comfort either, but for me they don't match the HD800s. As a result, the HD800s have seen a lot more head-time in recent weeks.
SALE INFORMATION
These headphones were originally purchased back in March from HeadRoom, and I am the original owner. Since then, they have acquired maybe 60-80 hours of gentle use at home in a smoke-free environment. Cosmetically, they are in like-new condition, basically the same as when I first received them, except for maybe the lightest bit of wear on the ear cushions.
I am asking for $975 for these headphones. That price includes Paypal fees (I will only accept Paypal) and shipping to anywhere within CONUS (and I would prefer to keep these within CONUS). The T1s would come in the original box, as pictured below, and with all the original materials (headphones, aluminum storage case, manuals). Shipping would be via UPS Ground, with insurance also included in the asking price.
TRADE INFORMATION
I also might be willing to trade these headphones for the following items (in order of preference), if they are in good condition:
Bel Canto DAC3
Woo Audio WA5-LE
HeadAmp GS-X
Balanced B22
If you're interested in a trade, send me a PM and we can discuss terms, including + / - money to even out the trade.
PICTURES
Right Side:
Left Side:
Included Materials:
Aluminum Case:
Original Box:
Thanks for your interest, and feel free to PM me with any other questions!
Edited by Sophonax - 7/16/10 at 8:04am
